Key Takeaways

• Democrats broke old rules during the 43-day shutdown and now push for new norms.
• Senator Ruben Gallego says only Democrats can hold Trump-era officials accountable.
• Liberals fear power but now see it as a tool to fight housing and climate crises.
• Winning primaries and shaping ideas are vital to cement new norms.

Why Democrats Embraced New Norms

The recent 43-day government shutdown did not win the health care debate. Instead, eight Democrats gave in before the president and Republicans agreed to negotiate. Yet the shutdown proved one thing: Democrats no longer follow the old rules and traditions. They are creating new norms.

In October, Senator Ruben Gallego was asked why his party used a shutdown as leverage. In the past, they said so was against “government norms.” Gallego pointed to Donald Trump. He explained that norms are “out the window” in this era. He said no one will abide by old unwritten rules when the other side breaks every one. However, it is one thing to reject the old norm. It is another to set new norms.

The Push for Consequences and New Norms

Gallego made clear where these new norms lead. When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to prosecute Senator Mark Kelly, Gallego fired back. He called Hegseth a coward and warned of future consequences. In his view, only Democrats can enforce presidential-level accountability. He even spoke of a “tribunal” to review actions once Trump leaves office.

These statements mark a shift. Democrats once feared being accused of weaponizing government against rivals. Now they argue that unchecked power from the other side voids the old social contract. They want clear rules that punish abuses at the highest level. Meanwhile, they see the Republicans as unable to police themselves.

Overcoming Fear of Power

To understand this change, we look to Samantha Hancox-Li. She hosts a political podcast and edits essays on liberal ideas. She argues that liberals long feared power. They built systems to stop bad acts. Yet those systems now block good action on housing and climate. She warns that in a crisis, process should not paralyze progress.

For example, ten years of studies might delay new housing or solar power projects. In her view, that delay hurts more than it helps. Similarly, the Biden administration shunned aggressive action on Trump’s crimes. Attorney General Garland avoided charging January 6 rioters, hoping to heal divisions. But Trump used that pause to mount a comeback.

Hancox-Li says new norms demand bold steps. Democrats must drop the filibuster, expand Congress, and reform courts. If they cling to norms the other side ignores, they will fail. She urges a shift from vetocracy—endless checks—to effective governance.

Winning Primaries and New Norms in Practice

Changing party culture starts with elections. Hancox-Li stresses that winning primaries is the first step. New voices can replace elites who resist using power for good. Senator Gallego himself highlighted this by beating a centrist in a primary.

Still, she warns against picking candidates on style alone. John Fetterman’s rise proved that charisma does not equal progressive policy. Instead, strong candidates need clear plans and grassroots support. Winning primaries builds the team that will enforce new norms.

At the same time, Democrats must win the war of ideas. Lawmakers rely on a policy “bookshelf” stocked by thinkers and activists. Before 2021, many Democrats thought weak stimulus would suffice after the Great Recession. Now, smarter plans won backing for a larger relief package. Similarly, fresh ideas on voting rights, taxes, and climate can shape action.

The policy bookshelf needs bold, tested plans. It should show that new norms deliver results. That includes housing relief, clean energy build-out, and stricter ethics laws. When lawmakers face pressure, they choose what’s on the shelf. Transitioning to new norms means filling it with effective tools.

Reframing Power with Freedom and Liberty

Democrats must also change their language. For decades, many left-leaning leaders avoided words like freedom or patriotism. They feared those themes belonged to the right. But history shows liberal movements thrived on calls for liberty. From abolition to women’s rights, they used American symbols to win change.

Now, with democracy itself under threat, Democrats can reclaim that language. They can argue that new norms protect inalienable rights and the rule of law. They can show that accountability and constitutional fidelity bolster freedom. By waving the flag and citing the Founders, they can win hearts and minds.

What’s Next for the Party?

Democrats stand at a crossroads. They can return to old habits or embrace new norms. The public is unhappy with Trump’s job and skeptical of divided government. Polls show little chance for Republicans to hold the House if trends persist. Democrats see an opening.

If they seize it, they must act. They must pass bold bills on climate, health care, and taxes. They must punish high-level abuses and strengthen voting rights. They must replace process-driven gridlock with action-driven governance. Above all, they must hold to their new norms: wield power to deliver results.

FAQs

What are the new norms Democrats talk about?

They include holding high-level officials accountable, pushing major policy through bold action, and using power to tackle crises rather than shying away.

How will new norms change government actions?

Democrats aim to drop rules like the filibuster, expand Congress, and enforce stricter ethics laws. They want faster decisions on housing, climate, and justice.

Why do primaries matter for new norms?

Primaries let voters replace cautious incumbents with leaders ready to use power for change. Winning these races rebuilds the party around fresh ideas.

How can Democrats win the ideas war?

By creating a strong policy “bookshelf” of tested plans on economy, health care, and environment. Clear proposals help lawmakers act when they take power.